At Long Last... A Downtown ASU Campus

"The regents have already approved the agreement, which also outlines ASU's responsibility for operating and furnishing the campus, the first phase of which is slated to open next fall in an area bordered by First and Third avenues and Pierce and Van Buren streets.

In a separate vote, officials also will consider approving a $5.5 million contract with a firm that will remodel and renovate key downtown buildings that will be used for academic and office space.

Those include the 411 N. Central Ave. building and the Park Place Building, 500 N. Third St. These two locations eventually will house the College of Nursing and the College of Public Programs, as well as the University College, which will handle the school's undeclared majors.

They will be part of Phase 1 of the campus, expected to be done in time for the 2006-07 school year. During the meeting, city officials also will be asked to approve the $100 million needed for the initial phase of the campus."